Guide to Refinishing Wood Furniture

Whether you want to repurpose a flea-market find, return an antique to its original splendour, or spruce up a piece that is showing wear, restoring wood furniture can yield wonderful results. A good restoration job can turn an old battered eyesore into a valuable treasure. Or you can convert an outdated relic into a trendy conversation starter. With no limits on the colour or finish, you can create the perfect piece for your home.

But there’s a lot to learn before you start sanding and painting. The internet has a vast array of resources available to guide you through the ins and outs of wood restoration. Sites like thefurnitureconnoisseur.com are packed with helpful advice to make sure you’re picking the right tools and techniques for your job. After doing your research, follow these steps to make old wood furniture new again.

Removing the Old Finish

You should begin by stripping the old finish off the furniture. There are a number of products out there to help remove paint and varnish. Aerosol paint stripper is easy to use and works quickly. Chemical paint strippers are available in liquid or paste form, which is helpful when working on items with textured details. Furniture refinishers can work well for removing varnishes. Once you decide which product is best, follow the directions to ensure you get the best results. Let your stripper do it’s job, then scrape the softened finish away. You may have to repeat this process to get all the finish off.

Sanding and Cleaning the Wood

Once most of the finish is removed, it’s time to sand. Start with a medium grit sandpaper until the surface is clear of all finish and marks. Then switch to a fine grit paper to get a smooth and even surface. If your piece has mostly flat surfaces, you can use a sander to speed up the process. Carvings and details will need to be sanded by hand. After sanding, wipe the piece down with tack cloth to remove any dust or residue.

Applying a New Finish

Now you need to decide on a new finish. There are so many options available. Stains come in a range of types, including oil-based, water-based and gel. Convenient one step stain/finishes apply the colour and finish at the same time. If you choose to paint your furniture, you should prime it first. After you select the type of finish, you also have to pick the right tool for the job. A traditional paint brush, foam brush, rag, or staining pad can all work for applying stain. A mini roller is often preferred when painting furniture. Be sure to let it dry completely before applying a clear coat or oil finish to protect your newly restored wood.

Next time you’re in the market for a new coffee table or dresser, why not check out the used listings or visit a second hand store? You may be able to DIY yourself something amazing for a fraction of the cost!

We know that not all old furniture could be renovated. Whenever you decide to remove unwanted furniture from your home, don’t do it by yourself. Call a reputable rubbish removal company which offers furniture disposal services and let them do the hard work.